Anticipated Sole Source Award: Uniform Light Source System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Air Force Test Center (AFTC/PZZF) at Edwards AFB intends to issue an anticipated sole-source, Firm-Fixed Price contract to Labsphere, Inc. for a Uniform Light Source System. This pre-solicitation notice aims to inform industry of the intent and identify any other potentially qualified sources. This is a synopsis of contract action and not a solicitation.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a Quantum Tunable Spectral Irradiance/Radiance Calibration Source, specifically a Uniform Light Source System (P/N AA-01469-100 QT-1100). This system must provide a wide range of luminance over a 16" aperture exit port, with full spectral tunability across the 0.25µm to 2.5µm bandwidth. It needs to deliver highly stable and dynamic luminance output, simulating tactical environments from moonless night (1x10⁻⁴ cd/m²) to maximum daylight (1x10⁴ cd/m²).
Customization requirements include:
- Uniform light source system for wide luminance range over a 16" aperture.
- Uniform radiance source for spectral radiance calibration.
- Integration of a sphere measurement system for reflectance, transmittance, and absorption of windows and windscreens.
- Customized spectrometer with SMA GerShun tube for radiometric transfer and recalibration of Labsphere equipment.
- Training at the Government site.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Anticipated Sole Source, Firm-Fixed Price Contract
- Authority: 10 USC 3572, as implemented by RFAR 13.106-3(a)(iii)
- Intended Awardee: Labsphere, Inc., 231 Shaker Street, P.O. Box 70, North Sutton, NH 03260
- NAICS: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, 7:00 PM UTC
- Published: April 30, 2026
Submission Requirements
This is a pre-solicitation notice; no reimbursement will be made for response costs. Vendors who believe they can meet the requirements must submit a complete technical package providing clear and convincing evidence of their capability.
Responses must also include:
- Verification of the Offeror’s Representation and Certifications—Commercial Items (FAR 52.204-19). Registration at SAM.gov is required.
- Any special requirements for a commercial contract (e.g., Commercial Financing, Warranty Provisions, Delivery Information) in accordance with FAR Part 12. All information must be in writing and sufficiently detailed for government evaluation.
Additional Notes
The Air Force Test Center has an Ombudsman to address concerns regarding this acquisition. Contact information for the AFTC Ombudsman is: Air Force Test Center Vice Commander, 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784; Phone: (661) 277-2810; Email: aftc.workflow@us.af.mil.